Graz
With 292,630 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2022) Graz (formerly Gracz, Greze, Grätz, or Bayrisch-Grätz) is the second-largest city in the Republic of Austria and the state capital of Styria. On both sides of the Mur, in the Graz Basin, is the city. With 642,134 inhabitants as of 2020, the metropolitan area of Graz is the third largest in Austria, behind Vienna and Linz. The larger Graz region has been the fastest growing conurbation in Austria for the past ten years.
Under the Roman Empire, there was a densely populated agricultural region called the Grazer Feld. Graz got its name from a castle built here in the sixth century (Slovene gradec meaning “small castle”).Graz got the municipal coat of arms in 1245. The city withstood many Ottoman invasions while housing the Habsburg palace from 1379 until 1619. 2003 saw Graz crowned Europe’s Capital of Culture, and in 2015 it was dubbed Europe’s Reformation City.
At roughly 60,000 students as of January 2, 2017, Graz has developed into a university town. Europe Prize was awarded to it and it was named a human rights city. Since 1999 and 2010 respectively, Graz’s old town and Eggenberg Palace have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Graz-Seckau diocese has its episcopal seat at Graz.Since March 2011, Graz has belonged to the Creative Cities Network as a UNESCO City of design.
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Tourism In Graz
Supported by its 2003 designations as a World Heritage Site and Capital of Culture, Graz tourism is mostly oriented on the historical value of the old town and the southern climate. New sights in the city include the Grazer Murinsel, “Friendly Alien,” and Kunsthaus Graz. 2012 saw Agrarmarkt Austria Marketing GesmbH declare Graz the “Culinary Capital” of Austria. As of 2018, Graz had around 5000 commercial guest beds and 1000 non-commercial guest beds; business visitors made up half of all overnight stays. Thirteen percent of all tourism is conference and seminar tourism, and thirty-seven percent is typical city and cultural tourist. There are a good number of foreign guests mixed together with a sizable portion of local ones. The percentage of domestic tourists is still on the downward trend, having dropped from 44.8% to less than 45%.
Geography Of Graz
Covering the northern part of the Graz Basin, Graz is a city on both sides of the Mur River, 150 kilometers southwest of Vienna. Mountains rising to 400 meters above the city all around it.Significant heights within Graz are the Plabutsch, which stands at 754 meters at its highest point and 330 meters at its lowest. Housed in the Grazer Schloßberg and Austein, respectively, are the Graz clock tower and the Calvary. A major Slovenian city, Graz-Maribor is 60 kilometers south of Graz and has expanding cultural and commercial links with the former.North of Graz, in the Graz Uplands, are the Fischbacher Alps, the gently rounded mountains of the Stub, Glein, and Koralpe, and the last eastern foothills of the central Alpine ranges.
Weather & Climate In Graz
Graz enjoys a climate that is sheltered by its position on the southern edge of the Alps. The mild weather makes it possible for plant species unique to southern Europe to flourish in parks and on the Schloßberg.
There are 92.1 days and an average of 818.9 mm of precipitation per year. Over 2100 hours of sunshine annually are a reflection of the Mediterranean influence; the 30-year average for July temperature is 21.3 degrees Celsius, while the ten-year average is 22 degrees Celsius.
But the location of the basin can result in inversion weather conditions in the winter, which would impede air exchange and maybe go above the fine dust limit. 2021 saw Graz named a climate innovation city.
Demographics Of Graz
The Gründerzeit brought with it a 100,000-person population boom in Graz, the capital of Austria. Moves caused the population to fall once again between the late 1970s and 2001.
Since 2001, meanwhile, the percentage of people who own their primary dwelling has climbed and those who own a second home has also increased. At almost 110,000 dwellings, Graz is the fastest-growing city in Austria, and 52% of its residents are women.
331,264 people called Graz their main home as of January 1, 2021.Of the population in 2014, 8.36% were citizens of Austria, 6.2% were citizens of another EU country, and 10.24% were not. At 65.4% of the population, Graz is mostly a Roman Catholic city.
Economy Of Graz
Southeast Austrian city of Graz is an important destination for both national and international companies because of its strategic position. Employing more than 40% of Styrians, its central commercial district produces more than one-third of the industrial added value in the country.
One third of all high-tech developments in Austria are produced in the innovation and technology hubs of Graz and Styria. Of the 10,692 companies in Graz in 2003, 184,135 were engaged in the service sector.
More than 75,000 people are drawn to the city because of its great economic pull, and its core area produces more than 40% of all Styrian economic output. Graz is a major retail center with a catchment area that goes well beyond the boundaries of the city.
History Of Graz
In the Bundesland of Styria, Graz has a long history that begins in the Copper Age. It was a major centre of trade in the twelfth century and, in the fourteenth, the Habsburgs’ Inner Austrian line called it home.
The Landhaus and other famous buildings from the 16th century Italian Renaissance dominated the city’s architecture.Archduke Karl II founded the University of Graz in 1585; Emperor Franz I reopened it as a university in 1827.
Academics who have lived in the city include Johannes Kepler, Ludwig Boltzmann, Nikola Tesla, Otto Loewi, Ivo Andri, and Erwin Schrödinger. Invaders who targeted Graz were the Ottoman Turks and the Hungarians.
How To Get In Graz
Graz Airport (GRZ) is the airport serving Graz and is renowned for its modern facilities and ease of use. International travellers can easily choose European cities as their destination as major cities are connected by frequent flights. Going from the airport to the city center is made incredibly simple by the contemporary public transportation system.
For those who enjoy beautiful train trips, Graz is a great option because it provides easy rail connectivity to the rest of Europe. Visitors are greeted with the Hauptbahnhof, or main train station, with its amazing architectural beauty. Fast trains can get you to Graz in record time from Vienna, Salzburg, and other towns. Select between the economical comfort of second class seats and the peace of mind of first class cabins.
Road travelers and self-drivers in Austria have great chances to make the most of their experience thanks to the properly maintained highways. Connecting Graz and Vienna, the A2 Autobahn is a vital highway for getting around the rest of Austria. To prevent fines, kindly remember the autobahn vignette, which is a necessary toll sticker.
Travellers visiting Central Europe might find affordable options with long-distance bus services like FlixBus and Eurolines. Ideally located next to the main train station, the Graz Hauptbahnhof Bus Station facilitates easy and direct connections between modes of transportation.
How To Get Around In Graz
Graz has an extensive bus and tram network among other public transportation options. Eight lines serve the city; four of them pass via the central train station’s subterranean tram stop. Though they are only available on weekends and evenings prior to public holidays, seven bus lines run at night.
Transporting to the Schlossberg from the city center is made easy by the Schlossbergbahn and Schlossberg lift. Regional trains link Graz with Styria and provide direct access to important cities such Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Maribor, and Ljubljana. Numerous railway stations in the city have been recently upgraded, and they are now a part of the “S-Bahn Graz” commuter train service.
The 10 km south of the city center Graz Airport has direct flights to Amsterdam, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Istanbul, Vienna, and Zurich. A two-line metro system proposed for 2021 may make Graz the second Austrian city to get a fast transport system.
Best Time To Visit Graz
What you hope to see and your tastes will determine when is the ideal time to visit Graz. Gardening in the spring and a cultural upheaval in the summer bring outdoor enthusiasts and music aficionados. A symphony of hues, the Eggenberg Palace gardens and the yearly Graz Art Festival draw artists and fans to the city’s cultural calendar.
With mild temperatures between 8 and 18 degrees Celsius, summer in Graz is perfect for leisurely strolls around the old Altstadt. Green areas of the city, such as Stadtpark and Augarten Park, become centers of activity. Graz summer is encapsulated in the Muraschwimmen festival.
With temperatures ranging from 11°C to 20°C, autumn in Graz is a laid-back season ideal for touring galleries, museums, and historical monuments. Classical music is celebrated in several historical locations by the Styriarte Festival and the Kunsthaus Graz, the biggest historic armory in the world.
With temperatures between -2°C and 6°C and snowy landscapes, winter in Graz is a special and enchanted experience. Graz Christmas Market provides typical Austrian delicacies and seasonal entertainment among its sparkling lights and joyous booths. Still, layers of clothes and warm accessories are a requirement to be ready for cold weather and the odd snowstorm.
Sights & Landmarks In Graz
Rich in history and Renaissance architecture, Graz is the capital of the Styria region of Austria. A well-preserved historical neighborhood, the Old City has Renaissance-styled homes, buildings, and inner courtyards. An old watchtower and a verdant mountain are features of the 1894-opened Schlossberg cableway.
A church with one of the nation’s oldest bells and an authentic clock mechanism serves as the focal point of the community. Nestled next to Landhaus, the Arsenal or Armor Chamber is a well-liked attraction housing a vast collection of antique weaponry. Said to be Graz’s finest architectural masterpiece, the Town Hall edifice dates back to 1803.
The most famous of the many magnificent castles in the city is Schlossberg. Built in the twelfth century, the fortress has withstood many assaults by foes and is now walkable. Dedicated to photography, film, and design, the Kunsthaus Museum is a singular cultural organization that was founded in 2003.
The unusual Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum in Graz displays his boyhood home together with sporting equipment, historic posters, and a genuine Terminator model. Among the oldest structures in the city, St. Giles’ Cathedral was once held by the Jesuit Order and dates back to the fifteenth century.
Things To Do In Graz
In May, culture vultures and outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Styrian city of Graz, Austria. Among the many cultural events the city organizes is the Styriarte Festival, which highlights classical music and historic locations like the Helmut List Halle and the Graz Opera House. The Kunsthalle Graz offers modern art exhibitions, while the Vito Acconci-designed Murinsel provides an outdoor venue for creative expressions.
There is a wide range of tastes available at the excellent and varied outdoor cafés and restaurants in Graz. Additionally offered are regional delicacies such fresh asparagus, pumpkin seed oil, and “Graz Schmankerl.” Discovering Graz’s natural beauty is made easy by the moderate weather, which offers expansive vistas from the charming Schlossberg Hill and Schlossberg Park.
A wonderful fusion of history, architecture, and culture can be found in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the city’s well-preserved medieval old town. Explore the Erzherzog Johann Fountain and Hauptplatz, the busy Main Square. See the mysterious Murinsel, an artificial island in the Mur River, for a singular experience that includes fascinating events and displays.
To maximize your May vacation to Graz, make reservations for lodging and transportation in advance and think about getting a Graz Card for reduced admission to a number of sites. A trip through culture, landscape, and cuisine is promised by this Austrian treasure.
Food & Restaurants In Graz
Charming Graz, Austria, has a wide variety of gastronomic options, from classic Austrian fare to international influences. Deeply ingrained in Austrian customs, the city’s culinary legacy includes well-known dishes like Tafelspitz and Wiener Schnitzel. One must-try for anybody looking for a real Austrian breakfast is Kaiserschmarrn.
The diverse cuisine available in Graz is a monument to the city’s multicultural character. Charming trattorias serve Mediterranean food, which includes meals prepared with fresh herbs and olive oil, in addition to Italian fare. In the last several years, Graz has seen a gastronomic revolution as creative chefs have pushed the envelope of typical Austrian cuisine.
A growing trend in Graz is farm-to-table eating, where restaurants source their food locally to guarantee that every mouthful is full of taste and sustainability. One may see this attitude directly in markets such as the Kaiser-Josef-Markt.
Among the culinary events of Graz are the Grazer Genusstage, a gourmet feast, and the Steirischer Herbst wine festival, which highlights the outstanding array of regional wines. Because of its close vicinity to the well-known Styrian wine area, the Steirischer Herbst wine festival is a must-see for wine lovers. All things considered, foodies will find Graz to be a fascinating gastronomic journey.
Shopping In Graz
Graz has a range of stores and boutiques to suit different interests and inclinations. There are many of fantastic shopping options in the city center, and the “Gemaltes Haus” (painted home) is a famous sight. Herrengasse, the main retail street in Graz, runs between Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz and has a large selection of apparel, cosmetics, and shoe stores. Sackstraße, also referred to as the art mile of the city, is home to galleries, workshops, museums, antique stores, and artist’s workshops. Located on Sackstraße, Kastner & Öhler is the biggest retail center in the city and has more than 500 international brands.
A pedestrian area, Schmiedgasse runs next to Herrengasse and is home to a plethora of ice cream stores, shoes, watches, jewelry, Italian fashion, and traditional costumes. With its unique fusion of clubs, design stores, and a farmers’ market, the Lend neighborhood draws creative types. The city core is linked to the central rail station by the Annenviertel area.
Traditional taverns and neighbourhood kebab stores are among the many cultural and gastronomic options found in the Gries area. Situated next to the river Mur, the “Franciscan quarter,” often referred to as the “Calf’s quarter,” features little stores tucked away along the walls of the Franciscan monastery.
The Jakomini neighborhood of Graz is always humming with bustle as creative people flood the area with new ideas and goods. There are many of young students living in the University District, and Karl Franzens University is close to vegetarian eateries and coffee shops.
Nightlife In Graz
The “Bermuda Triangle,” or city core, which comprises Franziskanerplatz, Oberstadt, and Mariahilferplatz, is where Graz’s nightlife is mostly focused. Up until eleven p.m., the vibrant scene is still going strong, and the university neighborhood is another well-liked nightlife destination. The scene changes as the evening wears on to the “Univiertel” and other bigger discotheques situated outside of the city.
To approach the Bermuda Triangle, head left off Herrengasse and either take the Sporgasse straight off of the main plaza or wind through little streets. Summertime turns attractive squares in the middle of the old city into well-liked tourist spots with guest gardens serving a range of regional and foreign fare.
There is an active nightlife scene with a range of pubs and clubs in the university neighborhood close to Karl-Franzens-University. Students and anyone looking for an energetic party scene frequent these places. Big discotheques, like Mausefalle, serve both young people and those looking for a vibrant party environment and are situated in the southern and city center areas.
Nightlife in Graz is mostly concentrated on the old town and its western section, close to Karl-Franzens-University. Irish bars like Molly Malone’s, Flann O’Briens, and O’Carolan’s provide live music, jam sessions, karaoke nights, and Sunday darts tournaments using real English steel darts.
Festivals & Holidays In Graz
Every year, Graz organizes a number of national festivals to highlight the many cultures of its residents. Early in October is the well-liked Styrian Autumn Festival, which honors the harvest and national unity. Among the city’s newest events, the Festival of Body Art draws expert artisans from all over the world and provides workshops on contemporary culture.
Mid-September is Aufsteirern, an event with about 100,000 yearly attendance that features traditional Austrian music, cuisine, dancing, and art. At Schlossberg, Stadtpark, and the Stadtmuseum, the Elevate Art Festival draws art, alternative, and electronic music fans in late February or early March.
Metal is also big in Graz; in mid-August, Metal On The Hill brings together well-known bands from the host country, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom. For non-metal aficionados, an August gourmet festival offers master classes, seminars, and advice on Austrian food.
June to November sees the Styriarte festival, which combines traditional and antique music with a contemporary feel. Austrian premieres are part of the nearly 25,000-person international Diagonale film festival.Lastly, Graz presents the Weihnachtsmarkt, a classic Christmas market with a plethora of vibrant performances and culinary events.
Stay Safe & Healthy In Graz
Graz is a safe city with beautifully kept parks, walkways, and a cityscape full with polite, collected people. But at night drunken assaults are typical, therefore during football games, stay away from the neighborhood around Liebenau’s stadium.
Nighttime park visits by women are discouraged, and drunk people should be avoided between Jakominiplatz and Griesplatz. Together with two regular hospitals and a special emergency hospital, the city has a nationwide health system including doctors, pharmacies, and emergency services.
Both the Styrian state police headquarters and the Graz City Police Command are in charge of the city’s security; Brigadier Thomas Heiland has served as the latter since April 2022. Although it did neither monitor traffic or pursue criminal activity, the municipal security guards supported the police force.
Graz offers two main hospitals, private clinics, and emergency services in addition to a national health system with doctors and pharmacists. The basin’s location makes fine dust pollution prevalent, nevertheless, as seen by the 45 times in 2013 when the daily mean limit of 50 g/m3 was exceeded.
The city is kept up nicely, has clean water, and gets chilly in the fall and winter.
Popular Places In Graz
Auster Sportbad
Austria Trend Hotel Europa Graz Hauptbahnhof
Austrian Aviation Museum
Austrian Open Air Museum Stübing
AVERIE Waxing & Kosmetikstudio
